We explain what the objectives are and how these goals are classified. Also, what are their general characteristics and how to identify them.
What are the objectives?
The objectives are the goals to be achieved , the place (real or ideal) to which it is intended to reach with a project or action. Defining an objective is essential in any plan, as it will identify the way forward: a project without a defined objective in advance is as useless as starting the car and driving without knowing where we are going.
To define an objective we need to identify the purpose of the project, then adjust it to reality and time , and verify that they meet the characteristics that identify an effective objective.
Characteristics of Effective Objectives:
Classification
The goals and objectives can be classified into:
- General: Broad and comprehensive goals, the central purpose.
- Specific: Punctual, concrete, measurable.
- Operational: Quantifiable and verifiable.They are explicit
They must be explicit, open to the knowledge of the parties involved, and clearly communicated at the beginning of any project.
Are accurate
The objectives are formulated in a clear and precise statement, leaving no room for misinterpretation or openness.
Are relevant
All its parts are directly related to the project, that is to say: the statements of the statement do not refer to other topics than the pertinent one.
Have a time
The objectives must be clear and have a maximum term for their fulfillment.
Effective objectives are established in a precise time, preferably with a beginning and an end or, at least, with a maximum period in which they must have been achieved.
Are achievable
They must be realistic, achievable and possible within the capacities, tools or factors involved in or related to the project.
They are possible to observe
The objectives must be possible to observe within the time established for it and / or they must be demonstrable in a clear and evident way.
They are evaluable
They must be possible to be medical or evaluated in a qualitative or quantitative way, depending on what the project merits.
Are essential
Goals are necessary to establish plans.
They are essential for the development of any plan or project, so they must be formulated with special attention and dedication. They are the first and most important step in establishing effective planning and, without them, the project could not even get started.
They are positive
The objectives are defined in positive and final statements, and not as a question or a possibility. To do this, they include verbs (infinitives), expected quantitative or qualitative measurements, times with dates and times, and a simple terminology appropriate to the field of action:
- Effective target: “Reach 10% more sales by the end of the first semester (affirmative, clear, precise, relevant, achievable, realistic and with a deadline)
- Poorly formulated goal: “Expect to have more clients” (it does not have a specific action, it does not have a time limit, it does not establish amounts or allow its formal evaluation)
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